The Trinity Christian Academy School Board has announced that Craig Smith has been named as the fourth Head of School in the school’s history.
Dr. Steve Newby, current head of school, announced his intention to retire earlier this year, prompting the TCA School Board immediately began a nationwide search for a new head of school for the 2024-2025 school year.
The board partnered in their search with the nationally-renowned consulting firm Vanderbloemen.
The search resulted in Smith’s selection on Feb. 26, followed by a school wide announcement to TCA families.
Smith has 24 years of extensive leadership experience in administration in the Christian school environment in Taylor and Tarrant Counties. He has served as a head of school and associate head of school at schools in the city of Fort Worth.
According to a release from TCA, “He exhibits strong leadership skills in advancement, enrollment, and relationships and is described as a ‘shepherd-leader.’ He is a man who loves God and his family and desires to be used to advance the discipleship of students.”
Smith most recently served as associate head of school for Southwest Christian School in Fort Worth before starting his own consulting firm in July of 2023.
Smith attended Abilene Christian University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communications. He later earned a certification in Leading School Strategy and Innovation from the Harvard Graduate School of Education/Harvard Business School. He has more than 10 articles published on donor relations, non-profits, and enrollment in the private school sector.
Smith and his wife, Jan, have been married for 39 years. Jan is a first-grade teacher at Birdville Elementary School. They have three adult children — two sons and one daughter, all of whom are married — and proud grandparents of two granddaughters.
Craig and Jan have been members of The Hills Church for more than 30 years. In his off time, Craig loves the outdoors - walking, biking, kayaking, and rafting - and being still in creation. He and Jan love to travel, see their children and grandchildren, and explore new places.
One of Smith’s favorite Bible verse is Ephesians 3:20-21: “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”
“It is a beautiful benediction and prayerful adoration to our all-powerful God,” Smith said. ““I love everything about schools, but I especially love seeing a student claim faith as their own and confidently take the next step as they leave our walls.”
“I am thrilled to welcome Craig Smith as the new Head of School at Trinity Christian Academy,” said TCA School Board President Bert Thompson. “His extensive experience, commitment to excellence, and visionary leadership make him the ideal choice to lead our school into an exciting future of growth and success. The Board is confident that God's will, purpose, and plan were evident for this process, for TCA, and for Craig. We are incredibly excited about the promising days ahead.”
“I could not ask for a better person to take over as Head of School than Craig,” Newby said. “His strong faith, business acumen, and love of Christian education will enable TCA to continue growing and contributing to the Parker County community.”
TCA Elementary Principal Lycricia Squyres and TCA Secondary Principal Jesse Whiteaker were also supportive of Smith.
“Mr. Smith is a seasoned leader who loves God and Christian Education. I am excited about the experience and professionalism that he will bring to our school,” Squyres said. “I have really enjoyed working with Mr. Smith thus far, and I wholeheartedly believe he has the skills and experience that TCA needs. I’m very confident that he will lead TCA into an awesome next chapter,” Whiteaker added.
TCA hosted two meet and greets on March 26 for TCA families and students to meet with Mr. Smith.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here